SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics is a global
independent semiconductor company that designs, develops, manufactures
and markets a broad range of semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) and
discrete devices used in a wide variety of microelectronic applications,
including telecommunications systems, computer systems, consumer
products, automotive products and industrial automation and control
systems.

On the basis of the most recently available
industry data, SGS-THOMSON is the world's leading supplier of analog
ICs, mixed- signal ICs, Smartpower ICs, EPROM's, EEPROM and motion
picture experts group ("MPEG") decoder ICs.

The SGS-THOMSON group was formed in June 1987
as a result of the combination of Thomson Semiconducteurs of France,
and SGS Microelettronica of Italy. Since its formation, the Company has
significantly broadened and upgraded its range of products and
technologies and has strengthened its manufacturing and distribution
capabilities in Europe, North America, and the Asia Pacific region.
This capacity expansion process is currently still ongoing with
upgrading of existing facilities and the announcement of the
construction of two more 8" submicron fabs ones to be built in Italy
and one in Singapore. These will join the two existing ones in Crolles
(France) and Phoenix (Arizona), plus one fab now under construcion
in Rousset (France) and one nearing completion in Catania (Italy).

The group totals 26,000 employees, 9 advanced
research and development units, 31 design and application centers, 17
main manufacturing sites and 60 sales offices in 24 countries.
Corporate Headquarters are located in Saint Genis (France), close to
Geneva (Switzerland), where the European Headquarters and Service
Center are also based. The Companys U. S. Headquarters are in
Carrollton (Dallas, Texas); those f or Asia/Pacific are based in
Singapore, and Japanese operations are headquartered in Tokyo.